Kostanjevica na Krki
Lower Sava
Kostanjevica na Krki, located in Slovenia's Lower Sava region, is a small town uniquely situated on an island in the Krka River. Known locally as the "Venice of Lower Carniola," it boasts a rich history dating back to the early 13th century when the Carinthian duke Bernhard von Spanheim founded the Fons Sanctae Mariae Cistercian Abbey. The abbey, originally Gothic and later expanded in Baroque style, remains a dominant architectural feature. The town was an important medieval commercial center in the Duchy of Carniola but declined after Ottoman raids in the 15th and 16th centuries. Today, the renovated former monastic complex houses the Božidar Jakac Gallery, showcasing the works of the renowned Slovene artist alongside a sculpture park. The parish church dedicated to Saint James reflects Romanesque origins and Baroque renovations. Nearby attractions include the Kostanjevica Cave, popular among tourists. Despite its small size, the town has produced notable figures in arts, science, and culture, contributing to its unique cultural significance.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to explore Kostanjevica na Krki during the warmer months for the best experience of its outdoor sculpture park and nearby cave. Purchasing tickets in advance for the Božidar Jakac Gallery can help avoid queues. The town offers accessibility features for visitors with various disabilities. Guided tours can enrich the visit by providing historical context, especially about the abbey and the town's medieval past.
Interesting facts
- •Kostanjevica na Krki is known as the "Venice of Lower Carniola" due to its location on an island in the Krka River.
- •The Fons Sanctae Mariae Abbey was founded in the early 13th century by Duke Bernhard von Spanheim and was a filial of Viktring Abbey near Klagenfurt.
- •The former monastic complex was burned during World War II by Partisan forces but has since been renovated to house the Božidar Jakac Gallery.
- •The town is the site of a mass grave from World War II containing Croatian prisoners of war and civilians.
- •Notable inventor Josef Ressel, credited with inventing the screw propeller, was associated with Kostanjevica na Krki.
History
Kostanjevica na Krki was first mentioned as a town in 1210 and received market rights in 1249.
The establishment of the Fons Sanctae Mariae Abbey in the early 13th century marked its religious and cultural importance.
The town flourished as a commercial hub in the Duchy of Carniola during the Late Middle Ages but suffered from Ottoman raids in the 15th and 16th centuries, leading to its decline.
The abbey was disbanded by Emperor Joseph II in 1785.
Despite losing prominence, Kostanjevica retained its town status and was officially recognized as a town again in 2000.
Place Guide
Fons Sanctae Mariae Abbey1234
An Early Gothic abbey founded in 1234, later expanded in Baroque style. It was the religious center of the town and now forms part of the Božidar Jakac Gallery complex.
Božidar Jakac Gallery and Sculpture Park
An art gallery located in the renovated former monastic complex, featuring a permanent exhibition of works by Božidar Jakac and an outdoor sculpture park.
Parish Church of Saint James13th century
Originally a 13th-century Romanesque church, largely rebuilt in the Baroque style in the 17th century. It serves as the main parish church of the town.
Kostanjevica Cave
A natural cave near the town, popular among tourists for its geological features and underground passages.
